52 officials and experts from ASEAN Member States began a two-week training under the “Capacity Building Project for Data-Driven Smart City Planning”, also known as ASEAN Smart City Professional Program (ASPP) on Monday, 25 August 2025. Funded by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), this marks the third year of the short-term training, held at the Seoul National University (SNU), one of Korea’s most prestigious educational institutions. The short-term training programme is organised by the Global R&DB Center (GRC) of SNU as the implementing agency in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN-Korea Program Management Team (AKPMT).

Held from 25 August to 5 September 2025, participants from both central and local governments across ASEAN will have the opportunities to gain new insights and practical knowledge on smart city development. The programme also includes field visits to Jeonju City and Seoul, allowing participants to witness and experience real-time applications of smart city technologies and innovations.

At the Opening Ceremony held on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, Mr. HA Dae-goog, Director of ASEAN Cooperation Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea delivered a welcoming remark for this year’s short-term training programme. In his remarks, he highlighted that connectivity is at the heart of ASEAN and Korea can be a trusted partner in supporting ASEAN’s smart city efforts. He emphasized that learning should be mutual, reminding participants that Korea also needs ASEAN’s help to improve its smart city initiatives. He concluded by underscoring Korea’s commitment to work closely with ASEAN to promote sustainable urban development and regional cooperation, praising the ASPP as an exemplary project to support ASEAN’s endeavours.

Since its launch in 2023, the project has successfully conducted three of the planned five short-term training programmes. Each year, the GRC of SNU invites more than 50 highly qualified government officials and experts from ASEAN Member States whose work and expertise are related to the smart city sector.